Hmmmm “Beauty Products” … cosmetics, lotions and potions… I have a few tucked into my bathroom draw as I’m sure most of us do. Moisturiser, toner, makeup, perfume… these are things most of us probably use every day to a varying degree.
And this is no coincidence; the beauty industry is a multimillion dollar money making machine, churning out ‘new’, ‘improved’, ‘fresher’, ‘longer lasting’ promises of perfection and enhancement!! It is only natural that in a society that places so much worth on outward appearance that many of us find ourselves investing in products that promise to perfect and preserve our ‘beauty’.
But do you have any concerns over the kind of impact your beauty regime may be having to your health? Or what kind of ethical or environmental impact your choices have?
Let’s take a closer look at these products and find out a little more about their impact on our health, ethical views and environment.
- Health Aspects
Beauty products are applied directly to the skin, allowing the ingredients to be absorbed into our bodies. Certain ingredients regardless of if they are naturally occurring or man-made can have adverse effects to particular skin types and sensitivities. It is important to be aware of potential allergic reactions to new products and particular ingredients.
In addition to this there is growing concern about the possible health effects of synthetic ingredients found in most conventional beauty products and cosmetics. Man-made chemicals are present in many products from perfume to lipstick, mascara, foundation, moisturiser and nail polish. These ingredients have been linked to skin problems, hormonal conditions, immune dysfunction and cancer. While we need to have some faith in the manufacturers and laws governing our health and safety, there is currently still debate over the absolute safety of these synthetic ingredients.
Admittedly it is hard to uncover definitive evidence for either their safe or unsafe use and this on its own is a concern. There is research being conducted and questions are being raised about the long term effects of synthetics and a call is going out for clearer information and labelling on products. In the end it needs to be an individual choice based on your own standards of a safe and healthy product. To find out a little more on these ingredients you can read the following articles Potentially harmful ingredients : the ugly face of chemical laden beauty products and Synthetic ingredients : the debate over synthetics.
Fortunately, for those with concerns, there are products that limit or avoid the use of these synthetic ingredients. If you would like to try an alternative seek advice from your Natural Health Store or visit one of the many online stockists to find a product that suits your needs. If you are concerned about the ingredients in your current products try a new one that may limit your exposure to synthetics. The post on Marketing Nature may also provide some helpful information on choosing a product that meets your own standard of ‘natural’.
- Ethical Aspects
Some of us may not consider, when choosing our beauty products, how these choices can have an impact on animal welfare. Due to the potentially harmful nature of the synthetic ingredients used in many of these products they are often tested on animals before being added to products and placed on retail shelves. Animal testing causes unquestionable harm, cruelty and abuse, is inhumane and for any caring consumer, intolerable. You can find out more on the practice of Animal testing here. If you would like to make an ethical choice; always choose products labeled as cruelty free. If you are unsure consider contacting the supplier.
In addition to animal testing, for those concerned with animal welfare, it is worth checking your product choices for animal derived ingredients. Although the industry is beginning to move away from these ingredients to use plant based or synthetic alternatives, they are still used in some areas and it can be very difficult to determine whether a particular ingredient is animal or plant derived or synthetic as they are often not ladled as such. Keep an eye out for collagen, elastin, keratin, tallow and glycerine as these are possibly derived form animals. Look for products that state clearly their ingredients and if you are concerned contact the supplier or manufacturer or seek out an alternative.
- Environmental Aspects
As a society we are increasingly dependent on synthetic and man-made materials. The manufacture and disposal of these ingredients and products are having a disastrous and widespread environmental impact. As mentioned above beauty products contain varying degrees of synthetic and chemical ingredients which through their manufacture or disposal can end up as pollutant in our environment. There is more detailed information on the environmental impact of synthetic ingredients in the article Synthetic ingredients : the debate over synthetics.
Another environmental issue to consider is the packaging of the products we choose. Many beauty products are packaged in a way to excite and entice our interest, this can result in unnecessary layers of wasteful packaging and materials. If you are concerned about waste and sustainability look for products that use minimal, sustainable packaging or recyclable materials.
While we need to be aware of the issues it is great that there are real alternatives out there for anyone who has concerns over a particular product. Beauty products are a part of our modern lifestyle and each of us needs to address what kind of product choices are right for us.
If you are concerned about any of the aspects outlined above consider the following when choosing beauty products and cosmetics.
- Spot test new products for any possible allergic reaction
- Check for synthetic or chemical ingredients; in particular the Phthatale Family, Lauryl Sulfate, Amine Family, Formaldehyde and Paraben Preservatives (see Potentially harmful ingredients : the ugly face of chemical laden beauty products for more detailed information)
- Look for “Cruelty Free” or “No Animal Testing” certification
- Check for animal derived ingredients
- Consider the amount of packaging and if it can be recycled
Once you have a guideline; finding products that meet your immediate needs of results, convenience and price as well as any health, ethical or environmental standards you may set is much easier. It is possible to balance our needs with the consequence of our choices and make decisions that benefit our health and have a positive ethical and environmental impact.
And remember beauty is only skin deep, all these potions, lotions and cosmetics won’t enhance our true beauty; the beauty that lies within : )
Related posts:
- Balance and consequence : Clean up with simpler and safer cleaning products
- Marketing Nature; finding real natural alternatives
- Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle
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"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller
